But opponents dismissed the notion of the issue ending up in court and attacked the SNP, who previously backed EVEL, over their “hypocrisy” on the issue.

The EVEL proposals would see a new parliamentary stage introduced for passing laws that only affect England.

Sturgeon and Cameron are on a collision course (Image: Getty/Reuters)

English MPs will be asked to accept or veto legislation before it reaches its final reading for all MPs. Controversially, the Tories will try to introduce EVEL by simply changing standing orders – the rules which govern parliamentary procedure.

SNP sources last night told the Daily Record their initial focus over the coming weeks would be to force Downing Street into a U-turn through parliamentary means.

A party spokeswoman said: “The Tories have produced a constitutional shambles – their EVEL proposals are staggering in the extent of their hypocrisy and incoherence.

“Over the next days and weeks, the SNP’s 56 MPs at Westminster will be focusing all their efforts on making David Cameron and the Tories think again on these disrespectful proposals which are damaging to Scotland.”

SNP MPs have previously called for English vote for English laws and have refused to vote on issues that don’t affect Scotland.

Scottish Labour MP Ian Murray said only Labour had consistently opposed a change to the status of Scottish MPs.

He added: “Just a few years ago the SNP were lobbying the Labour Government to introduce English vote for English laws.

“Now they have made a complete U-turn. It is hypocrisy for the SNP – who called the existing situation ‘completely iniquitous’ – to now say they oppose the proposals.

“Only the Labour Party has consistently stood up against the creation of two classes of MPs.”

A senior Downing Street source pourned scorn on the prospect of the issue ever ending up in court.

He said: “I know Tommy Sheppard has a background in comedy. But this is beyond a joke.”

Question -1 of 6Score -0 of 0

According to leaked documents how much is Iain Duncan Smith set to slash vital disability benefits by?

Iain Duncan Smith has a track record of targeting ESA claimants (Image: PA)